Cancer is the fourth constellation of the zodiac. Its name is the Latin word meaning “crab.”

Astrologically, the Sun resides in the house of Cancer from June 21 to July 22 each year.

The astrological symbol for Cancer is ♋, and the constellation sits in the sky between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east. Other nearby constellations include Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south.

Cancer Constellation

The constellation itself consists of five stars — Decapoda, Asellus Australis, Acubens, Tarf, and a fifth, unnamed, star — that form a Y-shape. In all, there are more than 80 stars within the boundaries of the constellation, including the so-called “Beehive Cluster,” a bright grouping of several stars located near the constellation’s “breast,” in the words of ancient astronomer Ptolemy.

In Greek mythology, Cancer was a giant crab sent by the goddess Hera to distract Hercules from completing the second of his famous Twelve Labors, slaying the nine-headed Lernaean Hydra. According to legend, Cancer scuttled up to Hercules while he was fighting the many headed-monster and grabbed onto the hero’s toe. What happened next differs depending on which account you read. Some say Hercules kicked the crab so hard that he landed in the heavens. Others say Hercules crushed Cancer underfoot, and Hera placed the crab in the sky as a token of her gratitude for his sacrifice. Either way, the great crab still shines down on us to this day.

Cancer Characteristics

People born during this period have Cancer as their Sun sign. Proponents of astrological determinism believe that people born under the same Sun sign share certain character traits. Cancer people are most often described as sympathetic, sensitive, imaginative, intuitive, deeply emotional, cautious, and protective.

Cancer Soap

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Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.

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